Catching me flatfooted

[Frank O]

I'm always a little challenged with flatfish. Species check?

http://www.inkbox.net/catalina/flatfish1.jpg

http://www.inkbox.net/catalina/flatfish2.jpg

These are the same fish from different angles. It was fairly little -- maybe 15" long at most. Thanks for any help!

 

[Robert Phillips]

Corrected from my totally wrong ID!!
It looks to be a Spotted Turbot (Pleuronichthys ritteri)
has 1-2 black spots on middle of lateral line.
Similar to a CO Sole (P. coenosus)

 

[Frank O]

Hey Robb, thanks for the help -- sounds like that could be it. Humann only has one turbot species (hornyhead), which didn't look to be it, but now that I check out Gotshall and the Peterson guide, either of the turbots you mentioned sound within the realm of the possible to me. Based on a quick scan of the pictures in Humann, C-O sole had seemed to be about the closest.

 

[Robert Phillips]

Hey Robb, thanks for the help -- sounds like that could be it. Humann only has one turbot species (hornyhead), which didn't look to be it, but now that I check out Gotshall and the Peterson guide, either of the turbots you mentioned sound within the realm of the possible to me. Based on a quick scan of the pictures in Humann, C-O sole had seemed to be about the closest.

It's not the C-O though as they have the distinct C-O on the caudal fin. If you look at the first pic you can definitely see the two black dots on the lateral line. There is a possibility it is a Rock Sole, but I really don't think so.

 

[Frank O]

Hmm ... turbot ... sole ... now why does this make me think of my drysuit?

 

[drbill]

Hmmm... why does it make me think of dinner (and I haven't hunted with anything other than a camera in ages)?

Dr. Bill